Third-Person Limited vs Third-Person Omniscient POV
👋Hey there, fellow writers and readers! Today we’re going to dive into the world of point of view (POV), specifically Third-Person Limited and Third-Person Omniscient POV. Understanding the differences between these two can greatly improve your writing and help you connect with your readers. So, let’s get started!
Third-Person Limited POV
Third-Person Limited POV is a perspective in which the narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character. This character is typically the protagonist. The reader sees the world through the eyes of this character, but doesn’t know anything that the character doesn’t know.
Pros
đź‘€Greater intimacy with the main character - Since the reader is seeing things through the eyes of the protagonist, they can empathize with them better. This can help build a deeper connection between the reader and the main character.
📝Ease of writing - Third-Person Limited POV can be easier to write than Omniscient since the author doesn’t need to keep track of as many characters’ thoughts and actions.
Cons
👉Limited information - The reader won’t know everything that’s happening or why it’s happening unless the protagonist learns about it. This can sometimes lead to confusion or frustration on the reader’s part.
🌎Limited worldview - Since the reader is only seeing things through the main character’s perspective, they might not get a full picture of the world around them.
Third-Person Omniscient POV
Third-Person Omniscient POV is a perspective where the narrator knows everything that’s going on in the story. The narrator can switch between characters easily and show the reader what each character is thinking and feeling.
Pros
🧠Greater knowledge - The reader knows everything that’s happening in the story and doesn’t have to rely on just one character’s perspective. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the story and its themes.
đź‘ĄMore characters - Since the narrator can switch between characters, more characters can be explored in depth.
Cons
đź’«Less intimacy - Since the narrator is showing the reader what multiple characters are thinking, the reader might not be as close to one character as they would be with Third-Person Limited POV.
📝Difficulty of writing - Omniscient POV can be harder to write because the author has to keep track of so many characters’ thoughts and actions.
Choosing the Right POV
When deciding on which POV to use, consider the story you want to tell. If you want to get up close and personal with your main character, Third-Person Limited is the way to go. However, if you want to explore multiple characters and their perspectives, Third-Person Omniscient could be right for you. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what POV fits your story best.
Conclusion
🌟Well, there you have it! A rundown of Third-Person Limited vs. Third-Person Omniscient POV. Understanding the differences between these two perspectives can make a world of difference in your writing. Happy writing!
